Definition

Chirotherapy, also known as manual therapy, describes the use of the hands to treat regressive disorders of the musculoskeletal system. With the help of targeted handgrip techniques, functional disorders of the spine and joints can be detected, assessed and treated.

Mode of action

Chiropractic therapy can produce the following effects:

  • Dissolution of joint blockages
  • Dissolution of muscle tension
  • Pain relief
  • Improve mobility

In chirotherapy, two techniques in particular, manipulation and mobilization, can be distinguished. In mobilization, gentle pressure and pulling movements are applied to the joint by the examiner. Manipulation, on the other hand, consists of rapid, targeted movements. With the help of these techniques, both the mobility of the spine and/or the joints can be improved and pain can be relieved.

Areas of application

Chirotherapy is used for the following orthopedic diseases, among others:

Chirotherapy is mainly used for painful movement restrictions of the musculoskeletal system.

Treatment process

The chiropractic treatment begins with a detailed discussion of your current complaints. It is also essential for the examiner to ask you about any previous illnesses, as chiropractic therapy should not be performed in the case of certain illnesses. These include existing osteoporosis, bone tumors, arteriosclerosis, recent injuries and joint inflammation. After contraindications have been ruled out, a detailed explanation of the procedure and risks of chiropractic therapy follows. This is followed by a complete orthopedic examination so that the chiropractic treatment can be individually tailored to the person being treated.

The chiropractic treatment itself usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. During this time, you usually lie on an examination couch. The doctor then performs targeted hand movements, for example compression movements in the area of tense muscles or pressure and traction movements in the area of joints. This often requires the cooperation of the person being treated. With certain techniques, the typical "cracking noise" can be heard, but this is completely normal.

Our doctors, who are experienced in this field, have the additional title of manual medicine/chirotherapy and will be happy to advise you on chirotherapy and clarify any open questions with you.

Side effects

Possible side effects may include:

  • Muscle soreness
  • Pain
  • Headache

Chiropractic treatment may cause harmless side effects, such as muscle soreness or mild pain. These complaints should disappear on their own within a few days.

Make absolutely sure that you are treatedonly by qualified and experienced chiropractors, otherwise the therapy may involve certain risks.

FAQs

Generally, chiropractic care can be performed on almost anyone regardless of age group, from infants to seniors.

However, certain restrictions apply: Chiropractic should not be performed for bone diseases, such as osteoporosis or tumor diseases of the bone. Also, there should be no recent injuries or herniated discs . Other exclusion criteria are joint inflammation, arteriosclerosis or known vascular dissections.

Contrary to the expectations of many patients, chiropractic is not painful in the vast majority of cases.

  • After completing their medical studies, chiropractors have acquired the additional designation "Manual Therapy/Chiropractic" with a fixed duration of 320 hours.
  • Chiropractors have completed five years of full-time study of chiropractic abroad.
  • Chiropractors are alternative practitioners with advanced training in chiropractic, the duration and extent of which is not specified. It is not a standardized training.

In any case, you should always check the qualifications and experience of your treating therapist and always keep yourself well informed.

In some cases, an improvement in pain and/or limited mobility occurs immediately after treatment. As a rule, however, you should expect that the improvement of your complaints will take several weeks and that several sessions may be necessary until a satisfactory result is achieved.

Treatment by chiropractors, i.e. medical specialists with the additional title of "manual therapy/chiropractic therapy", is covered by health insurance. In the case of treatment by chiropractors, reimbursement depends on the respective health insurance company. It is best to ask your health insurance company directly.

If you have any further questions or would like to make an appointment with us, please do not hesitate to contact us at 0761 7077300, by email info@orthozentrum-freiburg.de or via our contact form. You are also welcome to book an appointment via the online platform www.doctolib.de or via the Doctolib App.